2006 North America
Tour Reviews

The crowd was generally in excellent spirits, my son (20 years old) and I (somewhat older)enjoyed the entire show immensely. I particularly enjoyed the political slant of the first half of the show. Only one person "booed" during the song that slammed Bush, and he left the concert soon thereafter. Poor asshole didn't know what he missed. Because of his blind close-mindedness, he missed a truly epic concert.

Roger, you have got to come back to the East Coast of the US soon.

"Long you'll live and high you'll fly,
but only if you ride the tide,
balanced on the biggest wave,
racing toward an early grave."

It wasn't your typical concert experience... the show was an audio, visual, multimedia extravaganza that encompassed the total Pink Floyd catalog.

Anyone reading these reviews that has a chance of catching the final west coast shows, please don't pass up the opportunity because this show will leave you feeling like you have been on a rollercoster ride from Meddle all the way through The Wall. Please go and bring your Friends and Family to enjoy the experience with you!

From: Jeff Lockwood
My wife and I went to see Roger at the Nissan Pavilion in middle-of-nowhere VA. The concert was great, the sound was pretty good (they needed to turn it up a bit at the beginning) and it was so much fun to see Roger live! We especially enjoyed the two tracks from "Final Cut" our personal favorite Pink Floyd album. We arrived just in time, took our seats and loved it!

While we were totally touched to see this little boy in front of us waving his fists and yelling "We don't need no education!" along side his dad, we were not as impressed with some of our other neighbors. This has caused me to assemble the following list of rules for attending a Roger Waters concert. The "rules" are as follows:

Rule #1: Do not bring someone that has never heard Roger Waters/Pink Floyd before and then try to "explain" thirty years of musical ideas, progressions, and personal connections DURING the concert.

Rule #2: Do not yell out the name of each track off of DSOTM as the song begins. They are playing the ENTIRE album in order. Yes, I too know that "Time" is the next track... I have the album... Oh and I bet I can tell you what song is next too!

Rule #3: Do not attempt to emulate, imitate, or otherwise impersonate the guitar or bass solos.

Rule #4: Do not attempt to emulate, imitate, or otherwise impersonate the back-up vocalists. These ladies are extremely talented and have done this before. Please leave this to the professionals.

Rule #5: Do not "high five" other people during some of the more poignant, personal songs that Roger is playing. This is not an NFL Playoff game.

Rule #6: Do not get up during the playing of DSOTM. There was an intermission between the first set and the DSOTM set. Roger even told you it was a 15 minute break. Plan accordingly. The DSOTM is an entire concept album meant to be heard in its entirety and in-sequence. Getting up and down 2 or 3 times during its performance wrecks it for the rest of us. Sit down, relax, and LISTEN!

Rule #7: Do not get so fucked up that you are no longer functioning as a human being. If this is your desire, please buy a Roger Waters/Pink Floyd DVD, stay at home and get messed up on your own couch. That way, you won't be bumping into me during the ENTIRE concert...

Rule #8: If you must sing along, please know the words or at least some approximation of them. Do not yell them early you do not impress me or your date by "proving" that you know all of the words.

Rule #9: Do not attempt to emulate, imitate, or otherwise impersonate the back-up vocalists. I must reiterate this one again. You do not sound like Katie, PP, or Carol. Really you don't! The "Great Gig in the Sky" is not your territory!!!

Rule #10: Do not leave the concert early to "beat the traffic". I can't believe you would pay all of that money and then try to leave during "Comfortably Numb". What is WRONG with you?!?

Roger thanks for all of the years of pouring your heart out! Your music is truly special!

Jeff

From: Tom O'Brien
What an amazing show! Being only 20 years old, I had never seen Pink Floyd live, so to be able to see Roger Waters was a treat. I had always heard that Roger's shows were incredible, and the Nissan Pavilion show sure lived up to its hype. My friends and I were situated near the back of the lawn on the crowd's right (band's left) side. Being such a large venue, we really couldn't see any of the details of the stage at all, besides the background screen which provided great visual effects. The way the speakers were situated made the sound effects seem to come from all around us, and was truly something to hear. The tribute to Syd during Shine On was awesome, and the crowd really seemed to appreciate it.

Being such a young fan, I had no idea how political the music of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters was! I consider myself moderately conservative, and while I did not agree with a lot of the political messages (besides Bring the Boys Back Home - it has been too long!), I did not think that the political messages detracted from the show in the least.

The fans throughout the show really showed great appreciation for Roger Waters and Pink Floyd's music. After Eclipse, everyone with a lighter held it up and that looked truly amazing, as Roger even commented. All of the songs were astounding - that said, my favorites of the night were Sheep, Time, and Us and Them. Truly wonderful stuff that had my friends and me in complete awe! I am still grinning...

I was wondering how "Leaving Beirut" would go over in Virginia... I was pleased to hear everyone cheering during this song. I only heard one or two people complaining about it during the break between sets, but even the folks who didn't necessarily agree with Roger's political views agreed at least that it was a good song... And if Roger is going to share his opinions, I would personally much rather hear it in song, instead of the way some artists (Springsteen, Bono) want to preach to you. But enough about politics, the song itself was strong, and the cartoons/lyrics were a great way to make a point. Andy Fairweather-Low knows how to set a mood with his guitar work.

Some of the high points of the show for me were Kilminster's solo in "Have A Cigar" and Snowy's solo in "Set The Controls." "Perfect Sense" gave me goosebumps! And of course, the dual lead guitars during "Comfortably Numb" were fantastic, maybe even better than last time with Doyle. I was surprised how good "Fletcher Memorial" was live... that song never really did it for me before, but in the context of this show, with the visuals, it was great. Same goes for "Bring The Boys Back Home." And with the energy they put into "Dark Side Of The Moon," you would have thought it was brand new music... truly timeless.

I wish Andy had a solo in "Money" like he did on the last tour, but that's really the only thing I can think of that was less than perfect.

Overall it was a fantastic show... I saw Queen + Paul Rodgers earlier this year, this show had that same feel... that we were lucky to have one more chance to see a performance from this legendary musician.

I felt that Roger was genuine in his delivery and the band was excellent. I am 47 and grew up on the floyd. It was amazing to see the age variations at the concert. But everybody there were in the same frame of mind. It was a celebration of the music and love filled the air.

Tell roger thanks from me and my son, for this was quality time spent together that we will be talking about for years.

Jimmy broyles in Staunton,VA

Still to now and forever, I of course will never properly be able to explain what the encounter was like, but I wil give it a go. The sheer dynamic chaotic beautyof musical waves that lovingly surrounded the atmosphere was as perfect as could be imagined. Roger still had the aura and Earthdefying voice that all Pink Floyd fans craved everytime we channeled in for the journey into the unknown. The epic stage show played more like a fantasy of witnessing forming nebulas behind curtains of fire all while being soothed by the calming melodies of God himself (LOVE!).

When closing your eyes, if only for a moment, you would have swore it were the original Pink Floyd minus Syd in physical nature, but for sure in spirit. Each song played in opinion just as great if not better than the vinyls, or CD's for those who choose. This experience will live with me forever and shall be revered as the highlight of my life through the generations to come, through my stories and upmost compassion for the mastermind that is Roger Waters! THANK YOU!

A few months ago, I was debating whether or not to try to attend. I've had a busy schedule, and with several other factors (newborn) I've been slightly strapped for cash. Fortunately, I received my copy of Reg a few days before the show and decided to see what was still left. A few years ago, I learned a trick of the trade; buy your tickets at the last minute. When unclaimed fat cat, reserved, handycapped, and golden circle tickets go unclaimed, they are opened to the general public. I scored third row center four hours before the Raleigh show in 2000.

This time I was fifty yards form the stage, but I'd have been just as happy with lawn seats. My friend, George, and I ate and drank at a pub beforehand and headed over. After a couple of beers in the parking lot ($8.50 inside? Ha!) we headed to WILLCALL to pick up our tickets. After a brief stand, we made it inside ten minutes before the start of the show. (Side note: Michael, why does he open up with "In the Flesh!" instead of "In the Flesh?")

I loved "Mother", and the jazzy version of "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" was outstanding as well. I was most pleased with the inclusion with "Have a Cigar". As I recall, the last time it was performed, Paul Carrack handled the vocals. I was happy to see Waters's voice was in fine form (Side note: I totally am disppointed to read the "lip sinking" rumors associated with this tour. The mike captured every breath, sputter, and cough, so I doubt that those side noises would have been part of any illusion.). After a great "Shine On" and "Wish You Were Here", we were treated to his new song "Leaving Beruit" and "Perfect Sense". I was overjoyed to see and hear people around me singing along with the new material.

The Final Cut songs were a great addition to the set list, and it was wise to choose two relatively short ones ("Southhampton Dock" and "Fletcher Memorial Home") as many parts of that album wouldn't have translated as well live. "Sheep", to me, was the highlight of the first half as I've always found Animals to be a very underrated album. Vocals, again, in fine form.

The second half was, of course, The Dark Side of the Moon, and highly entertaining as well. I was happy to see all of the new and old film backdrop footage in use. During "Time" I noticed the reference to an Uncut interview where Waters had discussed a generation of teenagers zoned out on pot while listening to this album. Funny touch. ("Maybe that's what you're supposted to do" I remember him being quoted as saying) Hmmm...

I was also impressed with his inclusion of The Wall songs "Vera" and "Bring the Boys Back Home" - we never really hear those live - along with "Happiest Days/Another Brick 2" and "Comfortably Numb". All in all a great show! All of the musicians on stage were spectacular as well. I didn't like the David Klimsler bashing that so many people have joined in on. So what if his guitar is green? Okay, he wore a sleveless shirt, again, so what? He was a phenominal player. Would a tour this size hire any less than the best? Who cares if Waters politics don't condemn foxhunting? Does that make "Money" any less of a song? I was more than satisfied!

Sincerely,
REG Member WCC

From: Greg Hampton
WOW is right...
We got to the venue about 7, and after all this time awaiting this show the excitement was building and building... I couldn't believe I was about to see this show! I had taken along my 16 year old son and a friend of his who knew enough about Pink Floyd to almost be dangerous with their limited knowledge... After this show, I truely feel we have two new followers of the Floyd to carry on into the next generations.

I had been told by many our seats would be great but had never been to this venue before... the seats couldn't have been better, 6th row center.

Before the show started the fog from the fog machines intermingled with the cigarette smoke on the screen, and the hand coming in and changing radio stations, and having that sip of scotch was very cool, as the techs were getting the instruments in perfect set up.

Then... wow - it started... the band came out and the crowd roared. The first notes of In the Flesh gave me goose bumps which remained during the entire show. I had forgotten about the bubbles coming up, but we were too close to the stage to really enjoy them. I imagine about halfway back it would have been an incredible sight seeing the performance thru this sea of bubbles.

Dave was incredible all night... never missed a lick and he seemed to be so into it as if he had been playing this music forever. Snowy was awesome and the duets he and Dave did were great. They really seemed to enjoy doing it. Andy was great, I just wish he would step up out of the shadows more often... He had something written on his strat but I couldnt make out what it was.

Roger was "on" all night - his smiles, his gestures... the tilt of his head and looks in his eyes just helped make all of this so very real. He really seems to enjoy himself soooooo very much, and I admire the man for his level of energy. His eyes were as bright and happy at the end of the show as they were at the beginning.

One word about lip synching... I never saw ANY! and I was 15 - 20 feet away... to each his own about that issue. Roger would even sing along to the others parts away from the mic... I dont think I've ever really seen anyone do that. It just shows his love for the music and the good time he has with it.

I wondered being this close to (Washington) DC, how the political stuff would go over... but if there were boo's I couldn't hear them over the cheers.

The spaceman was cool, but I liked the pig better... The bloody Butcher led Piggy out and took him around the place. Impeach Bush now of course was written in the appropriate place on Piggy.

At intermission I went to grab a quick cig in the close by smoke hole and chatted with some very nice people, one couple who had flown in from Florida. But then hurried back to my seat so as not to miss one moment of Dark Side.

When the heart beat started, my own heart beat felt like it fell in tune with it, and was damn near as loud. This was it... I was about to witness and really experience the album that I have listened to sooooo many times over the years on 8 track, vinyl, cassette & CD. Tears came to my eyes. The entire performence was perfect.

Its obvious that Jon has Pink blood flowing thru his Floyd veins. Harry (hairy) was really good on the keys, and I think its great that he is involved in this. Katie Kassoon, my God you could feel the passion in this lady as she poured her soul out thru that song for us. The second half flew by way too fast, but then again, everytime I listen to the CD its like... wow, its over that fast? About halfway thru Dark Side my son was hugging me and thanking me for sharing this experience with him, he too had tears in his eyes.

The encore again was letter perfect, and I felt like we all got into it during bring the boys back home, and we all knew what we meant by it.

Comfortably Numb was beautiful but somewhat sad... sad being that I knew this incredible experience was almost over... but the song still gave me that soulful feeling as it always has. I think my son finally understands when I say... you don't just listen to Pink Floyd... you feel it, you experience it.

Yes, there was pot around, I smelled stuff that smelled pretty damn good too... but I didnt need a buzz, didnt want a buzz... I was high on the show.

As far as drunks or unruley people, I never saw anything that was a problem. The folks that surrounded me were there for the same reason I was and really enjoyed the show.

I had hoped to try to meet up with a couple of my forum friends who I had talked to before the show, but my damn cell phone died Saturday and I had forgotten to bring my charger... sorry I missed you guys, you know who you are. I hope you had the time of your lives as I did.

All in all, a serious "Floyd" experience was mine Saturday and I will never forget it.